Automated layout and design for recording text and images in any of disparate three-dimensional objects

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for providing automated layouts and designs for recording text and images on any of a plurality of disparate three-dimensional objects. Server-based processing engine for automatically imposing designs and text onto consumer electronic devices and method for delivering the same to consumers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/910,610, filed Oct. 22, 2010, which application claimspriority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/255,423,filed Oct. 27, 2009, the entirety of each of which is hereinincorporated by this reference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The invention relates to systems and methods for providing automatedlayout and design of recording text and images on three-dimensionalobjects. More specifically, the invention relates to scalable systemsand methods for automatically imposing and printing custom designs on aplurality of disparate objects via browser-based interfaces or standalone kiosks.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The use of personal electronic devices is becoming increasinglyubiquitous in modern cultures. Likewise, there is an upward trend forowners of the devices to personalize and accessorize their devices. Forexample, as consumers' environments have changed to include morefrequent beeps and buzzes from cellular phone calls, text messagenotifications, and electronic calendar applications, many consumers relyon unique ringtones to differentiate their personal electronic devicefrom the noise. Similarly, many consumers choose to personal the look oftheir electronic device to differentiate their device from others or asa fun way for self-expression.

One way of personalizing an electronic device is to add unique artworkor text to the outer surface of the device or to place a cover aroundthe device. However, previous attempts to provide customized orpersonalized devices have fallen short in one respect or another.

Some attempts to personalize electronic devices rely on the use of astick-on appliqué. However, there are numerous problems with usingstickers to personalize an electronic device. First, personal electronicdevices are typically so-frequently handled that durability is aprincipal concern. Stickers applied to the device with adhesive areeasily scratched off and tend to fade or otherwise deteriorate.Additionally, the suppliers of a stick-on appliqué are required to makeguesses about what designs will be popular and how much product toorder. Indeed, if a particular design trend quickly goes out of fashion,suppliers will be left with a surplus of valueless inventory.

Another technique for personalizing an electronic device is to bondcolor ink, etch or engrave the device itself. However, known practicesfor laser engraving a device come up short to achieving commercialviability.

Known laser engraving, color printing, and impact printing systemscomprise a printer connected to a computer that is operated by a trainedtechnician. The technician loads artwork onto the machine via a harddrive or downloaded from a network database. The technician is thenrequired to manually edit the artwork using a third party softwaregraphics application. However, oftentimes the graphics applications aredifficult to learn and create opportunities for user error. For example,a technician might get the measurements wrong for the art, the device,or the template.

Additionally, the laser engraving printer is a sophisticated piece ofequipment that has complicated settings, i.e. speed, power and focussettings. Typically, a technician will program the speed and power, andthen manually set the focus by raising and lowering the substrate traybased on experimentation. Given the sophistication of these machines,there is high degree of error when using this method.

These prior art processes are tedious and wasteful, for even a singlepiece of artwork engraved on a single electronic device. As explainedabove, consumers' tastes are constantly changing, thereby requiring theavailability of numerous artwork options for a large variety of devicesand compounding the deficiencies of the prior art. Clearly, knownmethods for imposition that require a sophisticated technician are toolabor-intensive to be practical without being cost-prohibitive.

What is needed are systems and methods for providing automated layoutsand designs for recording text and images on any of a plurality ofdisparate three-dimensional objects.

As explained above, known methods for personalizing a work piece involvean unacceptably slow process of manually moving, rotating and scalinggraphics, adjusting printer settings, etc. Therefore, the need for afaster process is compounded in a retail environment because multipleconsumers can simultaneously place orders and because retails consumersare not likely to wait longer than a few minutes for delivery.Accordingly, there is also a need for a retail-space solution topersonalization of electronic devices using a laser-engraver.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides systems and methods for providing automatedlayout and design for recording text and images on three-dimensionalobjects without requiring the user to create custom-fitted artwork anddesign and without requiring the user to manually manipulate genericartwork, templates, or output settings.

Some embodiments of the invention involve a scalable, server-basedsystem for automatically imposing and printing custom designs on aplurality of disparate objects. Some embodiments of the inventioninvolve browser-based consumer interface for specifying the device theywould like to personalize, selecting artwork, entering text and otherpersonalization information, entering shipping information, and makingpayment. Some embodiments of the invention involve unique layoutalgorithms that use input data to create an output file that is sent tothe output device.

Some embodiments of the invention involve consumers orderingpersonalized work pieces from home via a browser-based interface andsubsequently receiving the product by mail or other type of delivery.Some other embodiments of the invention involve a point-of-sale modelimplemented on a standalone kiosk at an event or in a retailenvironment.

Some embodiments of the invention involve etching or printing onmultiple device work pieces during a single print run. Some embodimentsof the invention involve a system for providing automated layout anddesign for recording text and images on three-dimensional objects thatis easily scalable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a scalable, server-based system for automaticallyimposing and printing custom designs on a plurality of disparate objectsaccording to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates an example browser-based interface for customizing adevice according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 1C illustrates an example browser-based interface for customizing adevice according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 1D illustrates an example browser-based interface for customizing adevice according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 1E illustrates an example browser-based interface for customizing adevice according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 1F illustrates an example browser-based interface for customizing adevice according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates the back surface of a specific consumer electronicdevice according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a template for a specific consumerelectronic device according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of recording a design and text onto athree-dimensional object according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4A illustrates an example of a device template file according tosome embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary algorithm for applying designs andother customization details into a device template file according tosome embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a workflow of a method for carrying out the cellphone back cover replacement model according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIGS. 6A illustrates examples of an interface of an operator formanaging print jobs via a consultant dashboard according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 6B illustrates examples of an interface of an operator formanaging print jobs via a consultant dashboard according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 6C illustrates examples of an interface of an operator formanaging print jobs via a consultant dashboard according to someembodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a block schematic diagram of a machine in the exemplary formof a computer system within which a set of instructions may beprogrammed to cause the machine to execute the logic steps of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As explained above, known methods of programming a laser engravingprinter, color printer, or impact printer require an operator tomanually create a unique template for a device, manually manipulateartwork, and manually adjust the printer's output settings, such asspeed, power, and focus.

The invention provides systems and methods for providing automatedlayout and design for recording text and images on three-dimensionalobjects without requiring the user to create custom-fitted artwork anddesign or without requiring the user to manipulate generic artwork,templates, or output settings.

In the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, text and imagesare recorded onto consumer electronic devices such as cellular phones,laptop computers, and the like. However, it will readily apparent tothose with ordinary skill in the art and having the benefit of thisdisclosure that the invention is equally applicable to any recordablesurface.

In the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, artwork andtext are automatically imposed for a laser-engraver machine to apply thedesign to one or more particular electronic device. However, it willreadily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art and having thebenefit of this disclosure that the invention is equally useful for anytype of recording process, now known or later developed.

The presently-preferred embodiments of the invention include abrowser-based user interface for providing users with devicecustomization options and a server-based processing engine forautomatically customizing the device.

FIG. 1A illustrates a scalable, server-based system 99 for automaticallyimposing and printing custom designs on a plurality of disparateobjects. According to FIG. 1, a plurality of customers c₁, c₂, . . . ,c_(n) are connected to a server-based processing engine 150 via anetwork 100. The processing engine 150 is configured for accessingartwork, accessing processing algorithms, accessing output setting,applying algorithms to automatically create a layout imposition forlaser-engraving a device. The processing engine 150 is also coupled to alaser-engraver 195 for laser engraving a device work piece.

The processing engine 150 contains at least one processor and at leastone memory device. The processing engine 150 is configured for providingthe customers c₁, c₂, . . . , c_(n) with a browser-based interface forspecifying a device they would like to personalize, selecting artwork,entering text and other personalization information, entering shippinginformation, and making payment.

FIGS. 1B-1F illustrate an example browser-based interfaces forspecifying the device they would like to personalize, selecting artwork,entering text and other personalization information, entering shippinginformation, and making payment.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the processing engine 150 is also coupledwith one or more graphics databases 110, 120, either physically or viaone or more network 130. The processing engine 150 is configured todownload selected graphics and artwork from the databases 110, 120 forimposing them on a template and printing them onto a device. In someembodiments of the invention, the processing engine 150 also includes agraphics cache for storing frequently-selected or other artwork.

In some embodiments of the invention, the processing engine 150 isconfigured to offer customers c₁, c₂, . . . , c_(n) with an interfacefor uploading their own artwork or graphics to a browser-based workspacefor imposing the uploaded art on a template and printing them onto adevice.

The processing engine 150 is also coupled with one or more templatedatabases 160, 170, either physically or via one or more network 140.The processing engine 150 is configured to access imposition templatesfrom the databases 160, 170. According to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, the imposition templates comprise ageneral pattern of artwork and graphic placement that is specific to oneor more particular electronic device.

For example, suppose database 160 contains a template for the Motorola®Droid®smartphone, manufactured by Motorola, Inc. The template contains ageneral layout of the phone's surface features. FIG. 2A illustrates theback surface 210 of a Motorola® Droid®smartphone. FIG. 2B illustrates anexample of a template 220 for a Motorola® Droid®smartphone according tosome embodiments of the invention.

According to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the template 220 includes one or moreboxes 270, 280, 290, and 295 dedicated for the device's symbols,trademarks, functional areas, and other non-printable surfaces.Likewise, boxes 230, 240, 250, and 260 available for engraving, etching,etc.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the presently preferred embodiments of theinvention, imposition templates are pre-designed and preloaded into adedicated template database 170.

The processing engine 150 is also coupled with an algorithm memory 180containing a plurality of algorithms configured to move, scale, androtate selected artwork to insert into the printable surface boxes ofthe selected template. An exemplary layout algorithm is explained inmore detail below.

As explained above, known methods require a specialized technician toadjust output settings of an output device. Accordingly, the presentlypreferred embodiments of the invention automate the processing steps ofadjusting output settings of output devices using the processingalgorithms. As shown in FIG. 1, the processing engine 150 is alsocoupled with a memory device 190 containing lookup tables containingoutput setting for output devices.

As shown in FIG. 1F, the consumer interface allows consumers to placeorders for custom engraving. Accordingly, the processing engine 150 isalso coupled to a laser-engraver 195 for laser engraving a device workpiece.

Some embodiments of the invention also involve a HighColor process foradding color to the engraved work piece. The HighColor process involvesusing a colored ink that is applied to the device and cured with a heatand light source. Some embodiments of the invention also involve animpact process that applies the design by impacting the surface of thedevice

In some embodiments of the invention, the networks 100, 130, and 140described herein comprise discrete networks. In some other embodimentsof the invention, one or more of the networks 100, 130, and 140 comprisethe same wide-area network.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 of recording a design and text onto athree-dimensional object according to some embodiments of the invention.The method 300 begins with an operator sourcing a plurality of devices301. Sourcing devices involves determining the placement and dimensionsof the boxes described in the discussion of the layout algorithmdescribed below.

The method 300 continues with an operator creating algorithms forautomating layout for each of the sourced devices 302. An exemplarylayout algorithm is explained in more detail below.

Once the system if set up with a collection of sourced devices andalgorithms, the method 300 continues with a consumer choosing thespecific device 303 that the consumer wants customized. Next, theconsumer specifies the graphics and text for imposition on the selecteddevice 304. The method 300 continues with automatically accessing one ormore template 305 and automatically accessing the layout algorithms 306for automatic imposition. Next, the processing engine automaticallyaccesses output settings 307 for a particular output device. Forexample, the method 300 accesses an output device's outputspecification, such as speed, power and focus settings. The processingengine applies the algorithms to the chosen art, text, and outputsettings 308 to create a unique file that is processed by the outputdevice to record the art and text on the device.

Finally, the method 300 involves laser engraving a device work piece 309according to the unique file.

In some embodiments, consumers seek out the processing engine via abrowser-based interface via their personal computer or mobile deviceusing a browser. According to these embodiments, the output device islocated remotely along with the processing engine, thereby requiring thefinished work piece to be sent to the consumer. In some otherembodiments of the invention, the interface is implemented on astandalone kiosk at an event or in a retail environment. According tothese embodiments, a printer is located onsite to deliver the finishedwork piece on demand.

Some embodiments of the invention involve providing an operator or aconsumer with authoring tools to truly customize a design. According tothese embodiments, the browser-based interface include one or more toolsfor further manipulating a chosen design including, but not limited toblurring tools, noise adding tools, clouding tools, texturizer tools,lens flaring tools, spherizing tools, lighting effects tools, offsettingtools, filtering tools, solarizing tools, pastelizing tools, colortools, etc.

Some embodiments of the invention involve a system to automaticallyrecognize the device placed in the kiosk using feature extraction andimage recognition software. Once the type of device is recognized, thesystem determines the rotation and position of the device. The systemthen uses this orientation information to scale, rotate and position theartwork automatically. This eliminates the step of the user or operatorplacing the phone in a specific place in the kiosk. Some embodiments ofthe invention involve a clamp that automatically positions and centersthe device so as to prevent errors in placing the device in exactly thecorrect position.

Layout Algorithm

The preferred embodiments of the invention involve layout algorithmsthat use input data to create an output file that is sent to theprinter.

Input data include a list of all the print jobs to be laid out. Each jobis described by some or all of the following information: design to berendered, in the form of a master design input file in any of a varietyof forms (i.e. gif, jpg, .pdf, .ai, .eps, etc.); device to render designon, in the form of a master device template file as described below;additional personalization data, for example: text to be rendered in thespace designated in the template file, or font to be used to render thetext; and horizontal and vertical border offset between edge of “page”and closest corner of rendering to induce a layout offset.

If there are two or more jobs in the list, information about the desiredlayout of the designs is to be provided. For example, for a grid layout,the following information is required: number of possible rows andcolumns in grid; and horizontal and vertical separation between boxes inthe grid.

The device template file may be in a variety of formats (for exampleXML, text, .pdf, .ai, etc.) but must contain the following information:device bounding box; design bounding box; and text bounding box.

The device bounding box comprises geometric bounding box of device orremovable piece of device, correctly aligned with the axes of the deviceor piece, accurate giving the dimensions of the device or piece in knownunits.

The design bounding box comprises geometric bounding box within theabove device bounding box defining the extent in which the design can berendered.

The text bounding box comprises geometric bounding box within the devicebounding box defining the extent in which text can be rendered. With thetext bounding box, an optional bounding box defining the extent in whichthe design can be rendered when text is also rendered in the textbounding box.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example of a device template file according tosome embodiments of the invention. FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplaryalgorithm for applying designs and other customization details into adevice template file according to some embodiments of the invention. Insome other embodiments, the algorithm takes printer output settings intoaccount as well.

The algorithm described herein computes the translation and scale to beapplied to one bounding box (the “origin”) in order to “fit” it withinanother bounding box (the “destination”). This is done in the followingway, assuming that a scale translation applies about the center of thedesign bounding box. The effect is to center the original box in thedestination box and apply a uniform scaling such that the resultant boxtouches either the vertical or horizontal sides of the destination boxand is contained within it: compute a translation that moves the centerof the origin bounding box to the center of the destination boundingbox' and compute scale, wherein scale=Min((width of origin)/(width ofdestination), (height of origin)/(height of destination)).

The layout algorithms of the invention, like the one described above,creates an output file for sending to an output device. The output is afile containing a description of the final layout. This descriptioncontains all of the input designs that will fit in the layout. Outputfile describes each job design—scaled and positioned to fit in thedesign bounding box of the job device template, unless text is alsorendered for that job and the template contains a “with text” boundingbox, in which case the design will be scaled and positioned to fit inthe “with text” bounding box. If text is specified for the job, it willbe scaled and positioned to fit within the text bounding box for the jobdevice template. It will be in the given text font for the job.Additionally, each design will be placed relative to each other tosatisfy the given layout constraints, for example in the grid case tosatisfy the horizontal and vertical box separation and the horizontaland vertical page borders. The file may be in a number of differentformats (for example .pdf, .eps, .ai, .png, .jpg, etc.)

Exemplary Types of Work Pieces

As explained above, previous attempts to personalize electronic devicesinvolve the application of a sticker to the phone. However, as explainedabove, techniques utilizing an appliqué are inadequate. Accordingly, theinvention involves a more durable and economically feasible alternative.Some embodiments involve laser-engraving electronic devices. In someembodiments, a color printing process is used to personalize electronicdevices. Some embodiments involve using a colored ink that is applied tothe device and cured with a heat and light sources. Some otherembodiments of the invention involve an impact process that applies thedesign by impacting the surface of the device. The presently preferredembodiments of the invention involve laser-engraving the electronicdevices.

As will be explained in more detail below, the presently preferredembodiments of the invention involve consumers ordering personalizedwork pieces from home via a browser-based interface and subsequentlyreceiving the product by mail or other type of delivery.

This type of delivery model is seamless and works flawlessly with newand standalone products such as dog-tags, pendants, etc. Indeed, someembodiments of the invention involve personalizing these types ofstandalone items. Indeed, many of these standalone products can bemass-engraved on a single large substrate and subsequently cut intoindividual pieces.

However, there is also a demand for personalization of items that aconsumer already owns. Prior to this invention, the consumer would haveto send the item to the engraving company to be engraved and sent back.However, in the case of personalized electronics, consumers aredependent on the uninterrupted use of their device. Also, consumersfrequently store personal and business sensitive information on theirelectronic devices. For at least these reasons, consumers are reluctantto send their device to a third party engraver company for an extendedperiod of time.

The inventors have addressed this problem by allowing the consumers theoption to design a personalized back cover and order a wholly new backcover for their cell phone or other consumer electronic device.According to this model, the company engraves a customized back coversends the back cover to the consumer along with simple instructions forreplacement, and the consumer simply removes the original cover andreplaces it with the personalized cover.

The distribution model described herein is accomplished using aserver-based processing module accessible by consumers via abrowser-based interface.

Some other embodiments involve a consumer ordering a personalized devicecase. Although the Applicants expressly mention cell phone back coversand cases, it will readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in theart and having the benefit of this disclosure that any replaceablecomponent of a consumer electronic device is similarly amenable to thisdistribution model.

In some other embodiments, the type of device that a consumer wantspersonalized does not involve replaceable panels or parts. According tothese embodiments, the consumer is ultimately required to send in thedevice itself; however, the automatic layout and imposition of artworkfor a particular device is still advantageous over prior manualsolutions.

Methods of Delivery

The method and systems for providing automated layouts and designs forrecording text and images on disparate objects can be carried out invarious fashions including both delivery-based models as well as inpoint-of-sale environments.

In the delivery-based models, the output device is located remotelyalong with the processing engine, thereby requiring the finished workpiece to be sent to the consumer. According to these embodiments,consumers seek out the processing engine via a graphical user interfacevia their personal computer or mobile device using a browser.

FIG. 5 illustrates a workflow of a method for carrying out the cellphone back cover replacement model according to some embodiments of theinvention.

The workflow 500 is carried out in a client-server and server-agentenvironment with a user on a client device and an operator on an agentdevice. The workflow 500 begins when a client requests a list of designs501 from a datastore via a server. The server then fetches a list ofdesigns 502 from the datastore, wherein the list is filtered based onthe client's criteria. The server returns the list of designs 503 to theclient and the user selects one or more design from the displayed list504. In some embodiments, the selected design is returned to the server505.

Next, the client requests a list of available devices 506 from adatastore via the server. The server fetches a list of devices 507 fromthe datastore, wherein the list is filtered based on the client'scriteria. The server returns the filtered list of devices to the client508, and a user selects a device from the displayed list 509. In someembodiments, the selected design is returned to the server 510.

Next, the customer selects further personalizations, such as custom textand font 511 and the selected custom text and font is returned to theserver 512. The server adds a job file to a job list 513 in thedatastore, wherein the job file comprises the selection of design,device, and personalization options.

The workflow 500 continues with the operator requests a list of jobsfrom an agent device 514 and the server fetches a list of jobs from thedatastore 515. The server then returns the fetched list of jobs to theagent 516 and the agent specifies one or more jobs from the list of jobs517. The agent returns the job selection to the server 518 and theserver fetches information for the selected jobs from a datastore 519,fetches design files for the selected jobs 520, and fetches devicetemplate files for selected jobs 521.

The workflow 500 continues with the server-based processing enginelaying out designs and templates using a unique algorithm to generate aunique file 522. The server returns a file identifier to the agent 523.The agent requests the unique file from the server 524 and the serverreturns the file to the agent 525. Finally, the agent initiates a printjob based on the unique file 526.

In some embodiments, the same interface is used by consumers and websiteoperators. In some other embodiments, the system is accessible bywebsite operators via a separate administrative interface. Theadministrative interface may include more sophisticated tools forreviewing the impositions to ensure that algorithms are workingproperly, viewing pending jobs, managing pending jobs, manuallyadjusting settings, etc.

For example, FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate examples of an interface of anoperator, aka consultant or agent, for managing print jobs via aconsultant dashboard. In the presently preferred embodiments, theconsultant dashboard is a browser-based interface coupled to theprocessing engine via the Internet.

Some other embodiments of the invention involve a point-of-sale model.According to these embodiments, the interface is implemented on astandalone kiosk at an event or in a retail environment. According tothese embodiments, a printer is located onsite to deliver the finishedwork piece on demand.

As explained above, known methods for personalizing a work pieceinvolves an unacceptably slow process of manually moving, rotating andscaling graphics, adjusting printer settings, etc. The need for a fasterprocess is compounded in a retail environment. This is because multipleconsumers can simultaneously place orders and because retails consumersare not likely to wait longer than a few minutes for delivery.Therefore, as explained above, there is also a need for a retail-spacesolution to personalization using a laser-engraver.

In some embodiments, a plurality of kiosks access the server-basedprocessing engine via a network connection and send print jobs to anon-site centralized administrator machine. According to theseembodiments, the administrator can compile the print jobs, ensure thatthe consumers have paid, send the print jobs back to the server-basedprocessing engine to impose single or multiple jobs onto one or moresubstrates, and initiate printing.

In some embodiments of the invention, the kiosk-type delivery model isimplemented during special events to provide event attendees with asouvenir. For example, a kiosk delivery system and printer can be setupat a Super Bowl event or at a launch event for a new consumer electronicproduct. Event attendees wishing a tangible memento of their experiencecan obtain a personalized collectable object by creating a customizedsouvenir using the kiosk.

One particular advantage to either delivery model is that the operatorsof the system do not need to order inventory since the kiosk customizesthe consumers existing device.

As explained above, prior approaches to device customization requireoperators to make guesses about what designs will be popular and howmuch product to order. However, if a particular design trend quicklygoes out of fashion, suppliers will be left with a surplus of valuelessinventory.

On the other hand, the invention described herein eliminates the needfor a large inventory through individually creating unique print jobsfor each consumer request.

As explained above, some embodiments of the invention involve a systemto automatically recognize the device placed in the kiosk and also torecognize the rotation and position of the device. The device then usesthis information to scale, rotate and position the artworkautomatically. This eliminates the step of the user or operator placingthe phone in a specific place in the kiosk. Also, some embodiments ofthe invention involve a clamp that automatically positions and centersthe device so as to prevent errors in placing the device in exactly thecorrect position

Multiple Device Layouts

Some embodiments of the invention involve etching multiple device workpieces in a single print run. According to these embodiments, theprocessing engine obtains a plurality of templates for a plurality ofdevices and applies the appropriate layout algorithms tomost-efficiently fit the plurality of templates to a single substrate.The laser engraves multiple design combinations and a finishingoperation is performed to output each individual finished piece.

The multiple device layout capability is very important in the case ofthe kiosk distribution model. For example, it is likely that any groupof point-of-sale consumers will have a wide variety of devices.Likewise, a single consumer may wish want to purchase individual piecesfor each member of his family—all of whom have different devices.Similarly, multiple device layout capability is important in the remoteordering model because in the mass-production environment, it isimportant to be as efficient as possible.

Scalability

In the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, system forproviding automated layout and design for recording text and images onthree-dimensional objects is easily scalable.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the server-based system 99 is easily scalableto accommodate newly-sourced devices and new printer output settings.For example, when a new device is developed, an operator simply createsa template according to the new device's specification and an algorithmfor automating the rendering of artwork to fit into that template. Theoperator simply updates the template databases 160, 170 and thealgorithm memory 180 with the newly developed templates and algorithms,and the processing engine 150 is automatically capable of processing artand text for the new device and the new device is simultaneously madeavailable for consumers.

Automation Process

Definitions

Print File=the PDF that it created when an order is submitted. The

PDF is created by placing the design file into the case template andapplying the appropriate scaling and clipping paths.

Print Jig=A physical device where the cases are placed to be printedwith the designs.

Print Job Template=A template that represents the layout of the jig thatis used to position the cases on the printer.

Pocket=a square in the Print Job Template that is a physicalrepresentation of the position and size of the physical pocket in thePrint Jig.

Print Job=A file created from the placement of one or more Print Filesinto the Print Job template.

Description of the Process

A list of Print Files that also includes the Print Job Template that isused is sent to the Print Job automation process. The automation processplaces the Print Files into the Pockets in the Print Job Templatesequentially until the Print Job Template is filled. Then another PrintJob is created with any remaining Print Files that were submitted. Insome embodiments of the invention, rather than continue to place thePrint Files into the Pockets in the Print Job Template sequentiallyuntil the Print Job Template is filled, the automation process begins toplace Print Files into the Pockets in a new Print Job before the Pocketsof the previous Print Job is filled.

When new Print Job Templates are added to the system there is a routinethat reads and stores the number of Pockets and the dimensions of thePockets.

If the Pocket is Landscape oriented (wider than taller) the Print Fileis rotated before placing and positioning into the Print Job Template. APrint Job Template can include both Portrait or Landscape pockets.

Print Jobs that don't fit into the Pocket are not placed into the Pocketof the Print Job Template.

Computer Implementation

FIG. 7 is a block schematic diagram of a machine in the exemplary formof a computer system within which a set of instructions may beprogrammed to cause the machine to execute the logic steps of theinvention.

FIG. 7 is a block schematic diagram of a machine in the exemplary formof a computer system 700 within which a set of instructions may beprogrammed to cause the machine to execute the logic steps of theinvention. In alternative embodiments, the machine may comprise anetwork router, a network switch, a network bridge, personal digitalassistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a Web appliance or any machinecapable of executing a sequence of instructions that specify actions tobe taken by that machine.

The computer system 700 includes a processor 702, a main memory 704 anda static memory 706, which communicate with each other via a bus 708.The computer system 700 may further include a display unit 710, forexample, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT). Thecomputer system 700 also includes an alphanumeric input device 712, forexample, a keyboard; a cursor control device 614, for example, a mouse;a disk drive unit 716, a signal generation device 718, for example, aspeaker, and a network interface device 720.

The disk drive unit 716 includes a machine-readable medium 724 on whichis stored a set of executable instructions, i.e. software, 726 embodyingany one, or all, of the methodologies described herein below. Thesoftware 726 is also shown to reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 704 and/or within the processor 702. The software726 may further be transmitted or received over a network 728, 730 bymeans of a network interface device 620.

In contrast to the system 700 discussed above, a different embodimentuses logic circuitry instead of computer-executed instructions toimplement processing entities. Depending upon the particularrequirements of the application in the areas of speed, expense, toolingcosts, and the like, this logic may be implemented by constructing anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) having thousands of tinyintegrated transistors. Such an ASIC may be implemented with CMOS(complimentary metal oxide semiconductor), TTL (transistor-transistorlogic), VLSI (very large systems integration), or another suitableconstruction. Other alternatives include a digital signal processingchip (DSP), discrete circuitry (such as resistors, capacitors, diodes,inductors, and transistors), field programmable gate array (FPGA),programmable logic array (PLA), programmable logic device (PLD), and thelike.

It is to be understood that embodiments may be used as or to supportsoftware programs or software modules executed upon some form ofprocessing core (such as the CPU of a computer) or otherwise implementedor realized upon or within a machine or computer readable medium. Amachine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing ortransmitting information in a form readable by a machine, e.g. acomputer. For example, a machine readable medium includes read-onlymemory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); magnetic disk storage media;optical storage media; flash memory devices; electrical, optical,acoustical or other form of propagated signals, for example, carrierwaves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.; or any other type ofmedia suitable for storing or transmitting information.

Accordingly, although the invention has been described in detail withreference to particular preferred embodiments, persons possessingordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains willappreciate that various modifications and enhancements may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.

1. An apparatus for recording customized images and text on any of aplurality of disparate three-dimensional objects, comprising: a devicetemplate database that is operatively coupled with a processor, whereinthe device template database contains a plurality of templatescorresponding to a plurality of three-dimensional objects; saidprocessor configured to implement: tools for the user to specify one ofthe three-dimensional objects; tools for the user to specify one or moregraphics to be printed onto a workpiece associated with the specifiedthree-dimensional object; wherein the specified graphics comprise any ofimages, text, or any combination thereof; and tools for the user tochange a specified output device from a default output device; and saidprocessor configured to automatically access a template from saidtemplate database that corresponds with the specified three-dimensionalobject; wherein the specified output device is configured to print thetemplate with user-selected graphics on the workpiece associated withthe specified three-dimensional object.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: an algorithm database that is operatively coupledwith said processor; wherein the algorithm database contains a pluralityof algorithms that are individually programmed for imposing graphicsinto the plurality of templates.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, furthercomprising: an output settings database that is operatively coupled withsaid processor; wherein the output settings database contains aplurality of output settings corresponding to each output device of oneor more output devices.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising:said processor configured to automatically apply an algorithm from thealgorithm database to impose the specified graphic into the templateaccording to the output settings.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, furthercomprising: said processor configured for creating a unique filecomprising a custom-designed template with user-selected graphicscustom-sized for the workpiece associated with the specifiedthree-dimensional object; and said processor configured for sending theunique file to the specified output device.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the one or more output devices comprise any of at least alaser-engraving output device, a color printing and UV curing printingdevice, and an impact printing device.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1:wherein the workpiece comprises any of an accessory or a replaceablepart corresponding to the specified three-dimensional object; whereinthe plurality of three-dimensional objects comprise at least any ofcellular phones or personal digital assistant devices; wherein thereplaceable part comprises a removable backing portion corresponding toone of the cellular phones or personal digital assistant devices; andwherein the device template database contains a plurality of templatescorresponding to different removable backing portions.
 8. The apparatusof claim 3, wherein the output settings database contains any of speed,power, and focus settings for each output device of the one or moreoutput devices.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: abrowser-based interface comprising tools for the user to specify text tobe printed onto the specified workpiece associated with thethree-dimensional object.
 10. A computer implemented method forrecording customized images and text on any of a plurality of disparatethree-dimensional objects, comprising: populating a template databasewith a plurality of templates corresponding to a plurality ofthree-dimensional objects; providing tools for a user to specify customgraphics, comprising an image, text, or any combination thereof, forautomatic imposition onto a workpiece associated with athree-dimensional object; accepting at least one user input specifyingcustom graphics and text for automatic imposition onto a particularworkpiece associated with a particular three-dimensional object foroutputting on a particular output device; and automatically accessing atleast one template for the specified workpiece from the templatedatabase; wherein the particular output device is configured to printthe template with user-selected graphics on the workpiece associatedwith the specified three-dimensional object.
 11. The method of claim 10,wherein the workpiece comprises any of an accessory or a replaceablepart corresponding to the three-dimensional object, for outputting on aparticular output device
 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising:populating an output settings database with a plurality of outputsettings for a plurality of output devices.
 13. The method or claim 12,further comprising: populating an algorithm database with a plurality ofalgorithms; wherein each algorithm from the plurality of algorithms isconfigured to automatically impose graphics into any template from amongthe plurality of templates while taking output settings into account;and wherein the graphics comprise any of images, text, or anycombination thereof.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:coupling the template database, the output settings database, and thealgorithm database with a server-based processing engine.
 15. The methodof claim 10, further comprising: providing a browser-based interface toa user via a wide area network.
 16. The method of claim 15 furthercomprising: automatically accessing at least one layout algorithm forautomatically imposing the user-specified custom graphics into the atleast one accessed template; automatically imposing the user-specifiedcustom graphics into the at least one accessed template, therebycreating a unique file; sending the unique file to the particular outputdevice; and printing the specified custom graphics onto the specifiedworkpiece.
 17. The method of claim 10: wherein the three-dimensionalobject comprises an electronic device; wherein the workpiece comprisesan accessory or replaceable part for the electronic device; and whereinthe step of printing the specified custom graphics compriseslaser-engraving the specified custom graphics onto the replacement backcover.
 18. The method of claim 10, further comprising: printing thespecified custom graphics using any of color printing and UV curing andan impact printing process.
 19. A computer implemented method forrecording customized images and text on any of a plurality of disparatethree-dimensional objects, comprising: accepting at least one consumerinput specifying custom graphics and text for automatic imposition ontoat least one particular electronic device for outputting on a particularrecording device; automatically accessing at least one template for thespecified at least one particular device from a template databasecomprising a plurality of templates, wherein each template from theplurality of templates is sourced from a particular electronic device;accepting a plurality of consumer inputs specifying custom graphics andtext for automatic imposition onto a plurality of electronic devices foroutputting on a recording device; automatically accessing at least onelayout algorithm for automatically imposing the user-specified customgraphic files and text into the at least one accessed template;automatically imposing the user-specified custom graphic files and textinto the at least one accessed template; and printing the specifiedcustom graphic and text onto each of the plurality of electronicdevices.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: populating analgorithm database with a plurality of algorithms, wherein eachalgorithm from the plurality of algorithms is configured toautomatically impose a graphic file and text into any template fromamong the plurality of templates while taking output settings intoaccount.
 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: coupling thetemplate database, an output settings database, and the algorithmdatabase with a server-based processing engine.
 22. The method of claim21, further comprising: populating the output settings database withoutput settings comprising any of print speed, laser power, and laserfocus settings for a plurality of recording devices.
 23. The method ofclaim 20, further comprising: automatically imposing custom graphics andtext onto at least one additional electronic device by adding at leastone new template for the at least one additional electronic device tothe template database and by adding at least one new algorithm for theat least one additional electronic device to the algorithm database. 24.A computer implemented method for recording customized images and texton any of a plurality of disparate three-dimensional objects,comprising: submitting a list of print files that comprise a print jobtemplate for use with the print job to a processor-implemented print jobautomation process; said automation process placing said print filesinto pockets in said print job template; said processor reading andstoring the number of pockets and the dimensions of the pockets when newprint job templates are added; if the pocket is landscape oriented, saidprocessor rotating the print file before placing and positioning theprint file into the print job template.
 25. The method of claim 24,further comprising: said automation process placing said print filesinto pockets in said print job template sequentially until said printjob template is filled; and said processor creating another print jobwith any remaining submitted print files.
 26. The method of claim 24,wherein a print job template can include both portrait and landscapepockets.
 27. The method of claim 24, wherein print jobs that do not fitinto a pocket are not placed into the pockets of the print job template.